Assistance

KATOWICE, Poland and TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2018 /CNW/ – A Climate Resilience partnership, focussed on creating 100,000 Strong Climate Champions by 2030 was announced today at COP 24 in Katowice, Poland. The partnership, which was made in the spirit of SDG-17, is between leading Canadian-based global travel risk management and travel insurance provider Ingle International Inc., and SUNx (Strong Universal Network), which focusses on Climate Friendly Travel. The partnership is founded on a shared commitment to develop the Maurice Strong Legacy Scholarship Program, with Ingle International as its first global sponsor. Speaking from COP 24 – the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Professor Geoffrey Lipman, Co-founder of SUNx, said: “We are honoured to announce our partnership with Ingle International to launch the global rollout of the Maurice Strong Legacy Scholarship Program. This will create 100,000 “Strong Climate Champions” by 2030, in every UN State, to help to drive the behavioural change and influence the fundamental government and industry actions needed to tackle Climate…

Looking for the best travel insurance coverage for your international student(s)? Look no further – StudyInsured has it all! From protecting a student’s medical needs, to the accessibility of 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance services, and even a Stay Healthy at School Program. Read our latest press release on why StudyInsured is your one-stop shop for International Student Insurance. Are you an international student? Let us help you feel at home while you study abroad. We cover all your health insurance needs, give you easily accessible resources for navigating the healthcare systems, provide physical and mental wellness support through the Stay Healthy at School program, 24/7 claim services should you need assistance, and much more. For more information, visit https://www.inglestudents.com/studyinsured/, call us at 1-855-649-4182 or email us at studentteam@studyinsured.com.

Incidents of terrorism swept across Alcanar, Barcelona, and Cambrils taking the lives of 15 people. Residents and visitors experienced great trauma, and the President of Spain declared 3 days of mourning. We stand united with Spain and all countries in the fight against terrorism. And we strongly encourage the return to daily activities, and travels! Add preventative measures to your upcoming trip with the safety checklist below. Purchase travel medical insurance coverage that works for you. Do not be discouraged by a pre-existing conditions, there are options for everyone. And don’t forget to read the fine print. Be aware of the Emergency Assistance feature in your travel medical insurance coverage and how to use it. Register your trip with your government agency, it is free of charge. Ensure your emergency contact information is easily accessible by you, your travel companion, or a Good Samaritan who can help you in the…

As you prepare to go back to school, watch this video to get comfortable with your insurance coverage. Let Ingle International guide you through a day in the life of insurance. Subtitled videos in multiple languages are also available further below. In these videos you will find: A break-down of your insurance package An introduction to the multilingual team that is looking after you Information on how to identify the level of your medical need (emergency room versus walk-in clinic) An overview of your toolbox, which includes, but is not limited to your website, Intrepid 24/7, the find a doctor tool and how to submit a claim. And more! Hot tip: Be a smart consumer, always read your policy wording. Watch this video with English, French, Spanish, Chinese or Vietnamese subtitles. For tips on how to prepare for the changing travel seasons, read articles here.

In each of the following cases, Intrepid 24/7 provided end-to-end care, including: Assessing each case upon receipt Determining the appropriate transportation and health care options for each patient Negotiating medical fees Reviewing treatment plans and patient status Communicating with all relevant parties on the patient’s behalf, including doctors, nurses, families, and insurers Case 1: Mountain Rescue in Chile Background Santiago, Chile, 2014. While skiing in the mountains, the case subject went off-piste and sustained injuries in a fall. Challenges The fall occurred away from the slopes, far from any infrastructure. Outcome A full rescue mission was required to extract the skier from the situation. Because the skier’s fall occurred so far off the track, Intrepid 24/7 organized an airlift via helicopter to the nearest hospital. The skier spent four days in hospital before making a recovery. Case 2: Injured in the Jungle Background Costa Rica, 2015. While hiking…

If you have a prescription for cannabis, you may be hoping to bring some along the next time you travel—but this can be much more complicated than travelling with your average prescription drug. The good news is that the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has recently released clarification on the procedures around flying with medical cannabis, as long as you’re travelling within Canada. The bad news? If you’re heading anywhere else in the world, you may have to leave your prescription at home—at least for now. Travelling within Canada It is legal to travel with medical marijuana within Canada, according to CATSA. However, there are a few important caveats to note: You must bring medical documentation to prove that you have a prescription. And CATSA notes that, in airports where police are present, they will be called in to check this documentation. As well, your bags will…

Cairo is a bustling and culturally rich city that attracts millions of foreign travellers each year, and the majority of visits are trouble-free. However, in recent years, large-scale demonstrations, civil unrest, and security threats have battered the tourism sector. Before embarking on a holiday or routine business trip to Cairo, there are a few crucial factors you should keep in mind. Understand the threats and risks to travellers in Cairo, even if the occurrences are unlikely Being prepared and understanding the security situation should give you more confidence than fear. It is commonplace throughout Cairo to go through metal detectors and have bags searched before entering some sites, which may cause delays. The crime rate is moderate, although the risk of violent crime is low due to the high police presence. Tourists tend to be the most susceptible target for petty theft, so be sure to take precautions. You…

In preparation for back-to-school, the Ingle International student team have created a series of how-to guides to empower student administrators to help inbound foreign exchange students feel at home. The guides are set to roll-out after Labour Day and will be available electronically, as well as in paper booklet format. Each guide outlines a minimum of 5 steps per process or procedure on a range of subjects. Subjects include, but are not limited to: Using Your Student Insurance Website Seeing a Doctor Mental Health and You Submitting a Claim Understanding Your International Student Insurance The guides were created to address gaps in: preventative mental health care, mental wellness, student insurance orientation, the nuances of submitting a claim, and the organization required for a student`s first doctor appointment in Canada. They also serve as a helpful reminder Ingle International’s offerings and add-ons. Catch a sneak peek at Using Your Insurance…

The 2016 Summer Olympics are being held from August 5 to 21, and the Paralympic Games from September 7 to 18. The games are based out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, although some soccer events are taking place around the country, including in Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, São Paulo, and the Amazon city of Manaus. There are 37 venues in total and 306 events, with the country expecting over 600,000 fans to travel from all over the globe to attend. If you are travelling to Brazil this summer for the Olympics, there are a variety of health, safety, and security tips to consider to ensure a successful trip. Trip preparation Seek travel health advice at least four to six weeks in advance. Brazil has a variety of tropical diseases in different areas in country, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, and, most recently, Zika. The Zika outbreak has been…

The 2016 hurricane season (June 1 through November 1) is here, and professional weather forecasters foresee (a) an above-average season, (b) a below-average season, or (c) a near-normal season for states bordering the Atlantic and/or the Gulf of Mexico. Sound wishy-washy? Indeed it does, but the major sources of weather information all agree on one thing: there are simply too many variables in the environment right now (including the expiration of El Niño, and the emergence of La Niña) to allow for a more reliable outlook. El Niño vs. La Niña El Niño is a pattern of unusually warm ocean currents in the tropical eastern Pacific that shifts upper level winds and reduces the likelihood of storm formation in the Atlantic. La Niña is the opposite, and is thought to produce below-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern Central Pacific. Weather specialists are pretty uniform in their belief that…

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that several million earthquakes occur worldwide every year, although the majority are of minimal magnitude or affect remote locations. However, certain areas of the world are prone to high-magnitude earthquakes. With the number of casualties still rising from the recent earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan, and international aid pouring in, we would like to remind you how to prepare for and recover from a major earthquake. What is an earthquake? Earthquakes are a sudden rolling and/or shaking of the earth’s surface. They typically last for less than a minute, although aftershocks can persist for days and even weeks after the initial earthquake. Earthquakes happen when the ground beneath the surface of the earth breaks or shifts, typically occurring along fault lines, and they can be felt over extremely large areas. Earthquakes can also lead to other disasters, like tsunamis. How to…

Terrorism has once again reared its head in Europe, this time bringing Brussels to its knees and putting the city on lockdown. The threat level for the city had been high for some time, and the terrorists once again made good on their threats to wreak destruction and havoc. These attacks have undoubtedly thrown a wrench into innumerable travel plans, and insurance companies and travellers alike will be dealing with thousands of claims for cancelled and interrupted trips. In light of the many travel disruptions people are no doubt experiencing in the wake of the Brussels attacks, we have produced an article outlining trip cancellation and interruption coverage. Below are a few points to keep in mind about these insurance products. Sold together, separate coverage Trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage is sold together and can be purchased as a stand-alone plan or as part of a non-medical or…

Travellers need to stay informed and have a plan for emergencies in today’s world of increased security risks. Before you travel, make sure that you have a plan in place for your safety and security, as well as peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Step #1: Well before leaving home, make sure to keep a record of all of your travel documentation—flight numbers, destination details and arrival times, transit locations, hotels, passport number and photo—and don’t forget to record and copy the country and city codes of your destinations and transit points and make them immediately accessible to your people at home. And designate one responsible person to be the coordinator of the documents and any contacts should you run into problems. Remember also that if your itinerary changes in any way, your home base coordinator will not know about it as soon as you do.…

Terrorist attacks are often perceived as unpredictable and random events, which increases societal levels of fear. Despite their randomness, however, there is often a logic behind the attacks that draws from underlying geopolitical, sociological, and security conditions. For instance, prior to today’s attacks in Brussels, the national terror threat level in Belgium was 3 out of 4. The general security environment in the region had been drastically altered following the November 2015 terror attacks in Paris, particularly in light of the attackers’ potential links to areas of Belgium (specifically, the Molenbeek municipality within the Brussels-Capital Region). Salah Abdeslam, one of the suspected Paris attackers, was arrested just four days ago in Brussels. Stopping one terrorist cell, or apprehending its members, can push other cells into action. Some have wondered whether Abdeslam, speaking through his lawyer, could have used coded language to trigger members of the cell to carry out attacks.…

Ongoing travel reservations to most parts of Europe have taken an unexpected nosedive in the wake of the Paris attacks and Brussels terror threats. France, perennially the top tourism destination in the world (84 million visits in 2014—far ahead of second-place U.S., which had about 70 million) has seen advance reservations and sales to museums, hotels, restaurants, and the Eiffel Tower plunge by a half or a third since mid-November. Will tourism rebound? Barring any new or recurrent catastrophe, it probably will. But to normal levels? And will there be a new normal? We can only wait and see… What does this mean for your plans for the upcoming holiday season and into 2016? We suspect that most of you who had planned to travel will follow through with your plans. And so you should, albeit with some new or added protections built in. One thing is for sure: you’ll need…

With the low Canadian dollar, the cost of international travel has significantly increased for Canadians. As a result, domestic travel from province to province is becoming a more attractive option for Canadians. Canadians are fortunate to have provincial Government Health Insurance Plans, but the gaps in health care when travelling province to province is still widely misunderstood. The Canada Health Act guarantees Canadians universal coverage throughout Canada, however “additional benefits” (e.g. prescription drugs, ground and air ambulance services) that provinces and territories may include under their respective health insurance plans, are generally not portable outside your province/territory of residence. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, 50% of Canadians travelling in Canada still do not have travel insurance. The emergency involving Amy Savill, a 7-months pregnant Albertan resident, visiting family in Northern Ontario, is a recent example of how far Canadians still need to come in understanding the medical costs when…

How long Canadians can stay out of country or out of province is one of the most frequent questions asked of us. And though you might think it would require a simple answer, I must admit it could get a little complicated. Consequently, it’s time for an update. First is the issue of US immigration rules that apply equally to all Canadians, regardless of the province that you live in. Canadians are allowed to visit the US for up to six months (182 days) per calendar year. Nationals of other countries are allowed only 90 days. You can accumulate those days by one long trip, or an aggregation of several short ones. (There is some pending legislation in the US Congress that would extend that period for Canadian snowbirds to 240 days, but predicting what might happen in Congress is a hazardous game and we will explore the ramifications of…

Lately, the world has been looking like a scary place to travel, especially in European countries like France and Belgium, where terrorist attacks and plots are dominating the media. Religious and political protests and manhunts have followed the January 7 attack on French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which ultimately left 20 people dead and was then followed by anti-terrorism raids in Verviers, Belgium. Since the Paris attacks, it seems like a domino effect of world unrest has followed, with protests, threats, and an overall sense of unease. While the world will always be a place of conflict, it’s important to continue living and enjoying pleasures in life like travelling. If you have a trip planned overseas or were thinking of planning one, follow these tips to ensure safe travels abroad. Monitor government agencies If you know you’re travelling to a specific destination experiencing civil or political unrest, or if you’re unsure whether…

One of the reasons we’re dedicated to taking care of insurancefor students like you is because we know you have enough things to worry about without adding health care to the list. A university education takes a lot of hard work. Many new students struggle with learning how to write according to their university’s guidelines—and that includes both native English speakers and those working with English as a second language. If you’re struggling with writing your assignments, you are not alone. Virtually every student faces this challenge—it’s part of the process! What you may not know is that there are resources available to help you improve your academic writing. That’s right—nearly every university has a writing centre, offering free consultations with tutors or writing workshops to help you out. From improving your writing style, or learning how to make a clear thesis statement, to learning how to properly cite your sources and avoid plagiarism—your school’s writing…

Are you planning to come to Canada as an international student? You’ve made a great choice! Canada has extensive study abroad programs that attract close to 100,000 international students each year. Taking the leap to study in a foreign country is a fast way to immerse yourself in a new culture. But between saving up for your tuition fees and considering overseas health care, studying abroad can seem more daunting than not. Luckily, international students can depend on financial resources and health insurance to help them afford such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Don’t know where to start? The government of Canada’s website provides a simple way to find scholarships for international students like you. Select your home country to find a list of awards that you’re eligible for, then read on for more details on how to apply. Best of luck! For information on travel insurance and products, visit the…

While choosing the right roommate is a good way to head problems off before they start, there’s not much you can do to change your mind once the lease is signed. You’ll need to do your best to get along with the people living inside your home. And it’s not just about their behaviour… It’s also about yours! Consideration for others When sharing space with anyone, you must be considerate. Keep in mind that your daily routine is important—but so is theirs. There will come a time when you’ll have to adjust for your roommates—it’s inevitable. Don’t see it as a fight for your own space, but as a delicate balancing act for all of you. (This is easier when you and your roommates communicate well… and when there’s not one person doing all the adjusting.) For instance: I spent two years living with up to seven people in a…

We get plenty of interesting questions from readers like you—be they looking to purchase travel insurance coverage or simply confused about how much time they can spend in the US. Here’s a look at some of the questions you’ve asked us lately… Q: I am planning to travel abroad for an extended period of time—at least 10 years. How will this affect my health care? Will I have trouble re-entering the country? A: Did you say 10 years? If you’re a Canadian citizen, you won’t have trouble re-entering the country. But health care is a different story. Related: How Long Can Canadians Stay Out of the Country? All provinces have rules about how much time you must spend in-province each year to qualify for health care benefits. In most cases it’s six months; in some (like Newfoundland or Alberta) it’s five. You will definitely need expatriate insurance while you are…

At Travel Insurance File, we get plenty of interesting questions from readers like you—be they looking to purchase travel insurance coverage or simply confused about how much time they can spend in the US. Here’s a look at some of the questions you’ve asked us lately… Q: I am a Canadian citizen who has recently moved back to Canada after living abroad for an extended period of time. How long until I am eligible for provincial health care benefits again? A: You will be eligible for provincial health benefits three months after you return to your province and notify the government of your presence. During that time you must be physically present in the province. Since you wouldn’t want to be uninsured during that period, consider purchasing a short-term insurance plan to fill the gap. Q: I live near the Canada-US border, and sometimes I cross over for a few…

Go abroad and save money? While it may sound like an oxymoron, it isn’t as difficult as it sounds. You don’t have to choose between your dream of studying abroad and all of your life savings! We all know that going on vacation requires a bit of a budget. But one of the greatest parts of life overseas is getting the chance to experience a new society. In other words: You are no longer a tourist. You’re a resident. So you don’t have to spend your time—or your money—hopping from one tourist spot to the next. Taking a more relaxed approach to discovering your new home will be rewarding for you and your bank account. How, you ask? Keep reading for some tips on how to have fun and save big! Learn how to cook Restaurants aren’t the only place to get a taste of authentic Canadian cuisine. Ask…

A client calls to say: “Hi, we are heading across the border next week.” You forget they already have an annual travel plan and jump into your sales routine. “Where will you be going? How long will you be travelling? What sorts of crazy things will you be doing while away?” The interrogation continues. The caller answers all of your questions politely, then mentions their existing coverage. D’oh! Patrick Chiasson, Broker Services Manager at Ingle International, says he has had several such calls over the years, particularly from those who regularly drive across the US border. Eventually the novice annual-plan holders will pop the key question: “Do I have to call you every time I plan a trip?” The short answer is “no.” But you can save them (and yourself!) some time by passing along a few tips at the time of the original sale. Short trips: You need not…

We’ve compiled a list of resources for you to read through before your trip. Find travel advice and answers to travel-related questions — all in one convenient location! Canadian Government Resources Travel Reports & Warnings This website offers information on safety and security, local laws and customs, entry requirements, health conditions, and important travel updates. Go now Public Health Agency of Canada – Travel Health Notices The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is the main government of Canada agency responsible for public health in Canada. Visit the Travel Health Notices page to stay up to date on which countries have health advisories, and how high the level of risk might be. Go now Directory of Canadian Government Offices Abroad This directory contains website and contact information for Canadian government offices abroad. These offices provide a variety of services to Canadians, including consular services. Go now International Resources World Health…

At Ingle, we understand that insurance can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created one simple document to help you better understand your insurance policy. Take a moment to give it a read, and you’ll see that insurance is easy with Ingle. The policy document is the most important part of your insurance package. It provides you with pertinent details about the insurance you have bought. Read your policy document carefully to make sure you understand exactly what is (and isn’t) covered. See below to learn what kind of information you will find in each section of your insurance policy: Benefits This section lists services and expenses that are covered under the policy, with a precise explanation of what each benefit means. Some benefits or services have lower coverage limits, or need to be approved by the insurer before you make use of them. Make sure you read this section…

If you have an accident or injury, and have to pay up front for medical services, you will need to submit a claim to get your money back. Below is a 10-step guide to submitting your claims. Keep all your receipts: Ask for a receipt every time you pay for a medical service. You will need to include these with your claim form. Get an official claim form: Your insurance provider can provide you with a claim form for your policy. Call the Claims Inquiries phone number on your policy booklet. Include up-to-date information: Make sure your contact information is current in case the insurance provider needs to contact you with additional questions. Complete the form honestly and accurately: Make sure you include all the relevant information about your illness or injury. Try to include as much detail as possible, especially if the situation was unusual. Don’t skip any questions:…

Categories

Global Insurance Pioneers Since 1946

About Ingle International

A trusted name in the industry, Ingle International provides customized travel insurance solutions for anyone studying, working, or living anywhere in the world. Representing insurers worldwide, Ingle International will find the right insurance product to suit the unique travel needs of groups and individuals.

Ingle International is part of the Ingle Group of Companies, specializing in insurance, health care, and emergency assistance services since 1946.